Editor’s note: The following is an open letter to the Bishop Frank J. Dewane from Katie Morris, President of the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, on behalf of its members to mark the occasion of his retirement.
Your Excellency, Bishop Dewane,
It is with both gratitude and a sense of sadness that we offer you our heartfelt thanks as you enter retirement from your ministry in the Diocese of Venice. Over the years, you have become far more than our bishop—you have been a steady, reassuring presence in our spiritual lives and a true shepherd, especially to the women in the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
So many of us carry personal memories of moments shared with you—either at parish visits, diocesan celebrations, or simple encounters where your kindness and attentiveness made each person feel seen and valued. Your homilies during our annual convention and Golden Rose events often spoke directly to the heart, guiding us not only in understanding our faith, but in living it more fully day by day.
Those of us in the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women are especially grateful for your support, encouragement, and recognition of the important role of women in the life of the Church. Your presence at our gatherings, your words of affirmation, and your example of faithful leadership strengthened our commitment to serve—both within our parishes and throughout the broader community. You have helped us to see our work not just as service, but as a true expression of discipleship.
Your leadership has left a lasting imprint on this diocese. You walked with us through moments of joy and challenge alike, always pointing us back to Christ. Through your steady guidance and deep faith, you strengthened our communities and encouraged us to grow closer to God and to one another.
What stands out most is not only what you accomplished, but the way you did so—with humility, sincerity, and genuine care. You reminded us that the Church is built not only through grand efforts, but through quiet acts of love, patience, and presence. In this, you gave us a powerful example to follow.
Thank you for being present to us—not just as our bishop, but as a pastor who truly cared. Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and the countless ways you have touched our lives. These gifts will remain with us long into the future.
As you begin this new chapter, we pray that it brings you well-deserved rest, peace, and joy, and we look forward to seeing you at future events. May you take with you the knowledge that your ministry has made a real and lasting difference in the lives of many. Your legacy will continue to live on in the Diocese of Venice and in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing you.
Please know that you will always remain a cherished part of this community and of the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. You will be missed, remembered, and held in our prayers.
Thank you, Bishop Dewane, for walking with us and leading us so faithfully.
With heartfelt gratitude and prayers,
Your Sisters in Christ
Katie Morris, President, Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
